Position Statements

MOR strongly supports the right of every Montanan, as enshrined in Montana’s Constitution, to a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations. We are in strong support of green initiatives and ordinances that make real estate more environmentally friendly, without unnecessarily creating delays and/or unnecessarily raising the cost of ownership. Efforts to increase energy efficiency should be incorporated whenever possible to do so without creating undue burden upon owners, buyers, or sellers.

MOR advocates for homeownership opportunities. Homeownership directly impacts neighborhoods, communities, and economic stability. We recognize the need for the production and rehabilitation of quality, safe, and affordable housing in our communities. All persons have a right to own real property and to exercise all the benefits of homeownership without undue encroachment or intrusion by government, groups, or individuals. 

Availability of housing for all income levels is necessary for balanced and healthy growth of Missoula and the success of our economy. Missoula County has a declining housing affordability index. Lack of housing supply drives up housing prices, placing homes out of reach of many Missoula families. We support simplifying subdivision and development process that encourages new housing construction and does not unnecessarily burden development and homeownership with additional expense.

MOR supports reasonable impact fees to defray the cost of providing public capital improvements which are directly attributable to a new development. MOR believes that impact fees ultimately increase the cost of housing, because these costs are passed to the consumer through increased lot and/or housing prices. Fees should not be used to correct existing deficiencies, to fund a disproportionate share of the cost of off-site improvements, or to deter development.

MOR has an unwavering commitment to diversity that will ensure the highest level of respect inclusion and nondiscrimination. MOR requests Federal Fair Housing Laws and Montana Human Rights Act be updated and amended to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” consistent with the NAR Code of Ethics.

Infrastructure improvements have been shown to enhance property values by creating livable communities and business districts. Investing in well-planned, properly financed public infrastructure helps accommodate and direct growth to benefit the whole community. This includes upgrading sewer and water infrastructure in communities as requested and necessary to meet public demand. 

Transportation plans should reflect a broad community vision that takes all transportation users into account.

MOR supports simplified, flexible, and streamlined subdivision and zoning regulations; reflecting contemporary best practices which support development of our communities. We support policies that provide equitable incentives to address housing needs; however, we oppose mandatory programs including inclusionary zoning.

MOR opposes regulations that would mandate any form of inspection(s) and/or any code compliance ordinance(s) as a prerequisite to the sale, transfer, or exchange of real estate.

MOR supports the rights of private property owners. These essential rights should be fully recognized in all government laws and regulations.

MOR believes that it is critical to protect the rights of innocent owners when addressing forfeiture of real property because of illegal drug activity.

MOR supports a multi-use approach to the management of our public lands. We support a balance between recreational, wildlife habitat and housing focused uses.  

MOR supports the rights of private property owners. We oppose local regulations that place restrictions on or prohibit short-term rental agreements. MOR believes that any regulations on short-term rentals should be governed by homeowner or condominium associations.

MOR supports the right for real estate associated signage to be placed on public or private property with the permission of the property owner or representative.

MOR supports understandable and predictable subdivision laws and regulations that streamline the review process while providing objective review criteria and performance standards. Montana’s quality of life includes our river valleys, foothills, mountains, and a housing stock that meets market demand across a range of prices. We support subdivision laws and regulations that implement community growth policy, allowing for well-planned development and protection of our natural environment.

We support lowering real estate property tax rates to help maintain housing affordability. MOR supports an equitable, balanced tax and appraisal structure and responsible government spending. We encourage local governments to explore, utilize and exhaust all other options available for generating revenues. Costs associated with programs for the public good should be shared equitably by all members of the community, real estate should not be singled out to pay for programs and services that benefit the entire community.